But this year they’ll do so with a new carrot to chase.

On Tuesday, Country Rugby League announced two of its greatest players will inspire the next generation of talent from regional New South Wales with the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups launched in Sydney.

The new junior representative competitions will feature over 550 of the best young players from across Regional NSW and see a total of 52 games played in 23 towns across the state over seven-weeks.

The under 16s (Andrew Johns Cup) and 18s (Laurie Daley Cup) competitions will feature eleven teams taking the field in each age division, with eight of the eleven franchises currently linked with NRL clubs; with the aim of having all regions aligned by the start of the 2019 season.

This season will see the St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders form new partnerships with CRL franchises competing in the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups, with the Sydney Roosters continuing their support of the Central Coast Roosters.

The Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights will also enter sides into the new competitions, in addition to their existing partnerships with the Western Rams and Newcastle Region.

Reflecting on the Under-18’s competition bearing his name, Daley admitted it was a huge honour to be associated with the new CRL pathway.

“I’ve always been proud of where I come from (Junee Diesels) and today’s announcement is the start of a great opportunity for the next generation of country players,” Daley said.

“To see NRL clubs forming strong partnerships with various regions in the country is fantastic and will hopefully inspire young players to chase their dream of playing in the NRL.”

Johns, a Cessnock Goannas junior and Country Rugby League Team of the Century member, admitted he was excited to see the next generation of country players take the field in the Andrew Johns Cup.

“As a kid growing up in Cessnock, rugby league was everything and I’m sure Laurie felt the same way coming through the grades in Junee,” Johns said.

“To have our names featured in these competitions is a huge honour and I’m excited to see the next Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell or Latrell Mitchell making their mark on our game.”

The best and fairest medals for the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups will pay tribute to two of Country Rugby League’s Life Members, with the Rod Lanesbury (Andrew Johns Cup) and Tom Nelson (Laurie Daley Cup) Medals awarded to the Best and Fairest Player in their respective competitions.

The Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups will kick-off this weekend with round one matches taking place in Bega, Cabarita, Gundagai, Mudgee and Muswellbrook.

All matches will be live streamed on Country Rugby League’s facebook page and website courtesy of BAR TV Sports.